Wanted to share this very quickly! I have been meaning to do a post all about oral health and dental care.
Since we have changed our diets for the better we noticed something else changed...our dental health! You have heard (or read anyways) that the children's dental health has been quite amazing in recent times. meaning that we have not had cavities for quite some time. I was astonished at that happening because I did not expect it at all, it was a pleasant surprise and I was certain that the fact that we changed our diets was a direct connection with the change in dental health. Sure enough, with more reading and research, it's TRUE!
The best video I can find that explains it in the most clear and concise fashion is this one below. It's just over 15mins, but it is worth every second of time. Grab a glass of water or an herbal tea and watch this video!!
Blessed be!
Showing posts with label nourishing foods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nourishing foods. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The 100 days cough........
Or Whooping Cough as some may know it. It appears that we have another wave of it circling around here, there, and everywhere. Of course, mass media immediately blames the un-vaccinated for a re-surgence of infections. If you follow and believe everything the mass media feeds you and follow what your local health authorities feed you, then you may not wish to read on because this is anything BUT!
However, if you want to know the truth and understand what this is really all about, then read on! I used to believe all the garbage and blindly followed whatever the current BS being spewed from health authorities, but now, I have researched the truth about what is really going on and not the biased opinions and bogus research compiled from none other than the pharmaceutical companies pushing the vaccines!!
The thing is, a lot of pro-vaxers claim that those of us who do not vax are dumb and un-intelligent and even neglectful and should be charged as such (true story and have actually been told that to my face!) but the truth is, EVERY.SINGLE. non-vaxer I have met or talked to, has researched and read more about how vaccines are made and how the body responds to them and their statistical effectiveness (or lack thereof!) than most people. I have been reading and researching for almost 8 years now, and I am convinced that routine vaccination is not only not effective but dangerous. Of course, you can hold your own opinion and that is fine, all I would ever encourage someone to do is read and research the TRUTH and come up with your own conclusions.
So, back to the topic at hand here since it is being smeared and fear mongored all over the place...Whooping Cough. I don't care what kind of hype goes on about it, there is NO evidence what-so-ever that would ever convince me to subject myself, or my kids to that shot. Instead, I firmly believe in boosting their immune systems with healthy foods and vitamins and creating an environment (their bodies) inhospitable to the virus. Should we contract it, I know of herbs and remeadies to ease it's symptoms and above all things, relying on good nutrition to help the body fight.
Below are some links for your further reading, most of all, don't let fear be the reason your vaccinate. If you chose to vaccinate your self and your children, do it with the full knowledge of what your risks are and what exactly vaccines effects on your body will do. I only advocate the truth and I will tell you this, like a good sales pitch, companies will tell you what ever they need to so as to get your business, and Pharmaceuticals are NO different.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Failure
Whooping Cough-Under diagnosed
Whooping Cough Outbreaks
Proof that Vaccines Didn't Save us
(look at this one carefully, there are plently of charts that show, REPEATEDLY that illnesses from the viruses and bacteria were ALREADY on the decline and in most cases YEARS before the vaccines were even introduced. Not only that, there are charts that show how illnesses like Measles and Mumps occur even in HIGHLY vaccinated populations.)
I'll leave it at that for now, but please educate yourself on the truth before you vaccinate and fall into the slew of garbage spewed by fear mongoring mass media.
I also have other links located in my sidebar under *vax info*
Blessed be!!
However, if you want to know the truth and understand what this is really all about, then read on! I used to believe all the garbage and blindly followed whatever the current BS being spewed from health authorities, but now, I have researched the truth about what is really going on and not the biased opinions and bogus research compiled from none other than the pharmaceutical companies pushing the vaccines!!
The thing is, a lot of pro-vaxers claim that those of us who do not vax are dumb and un-intelligent and even neglectful and should be charged as such (true story and have actually been told that to my face!) but the truth is, EVERY.SINGLE. non-vaxer I have met or talked to, has researched and read more about how vaccines are made and how the body responds to them and their statistical effectiveness (or lack thereof!) than most people. I have been reading and researching for almost 8 years now, and I am convinced that routine vaccination is not only not effective but dangerous. Of course, you can hold your own opinion and that is fine, all I would ever encourage someone to do is read and research the TRUTH and come up with your own conclusions.
So, back to the topic at hand here since it is being smeared and fear mongored all over the place...Whooping Cough. I don't care what kind of hype goes on about it, there is NO evidence what-so-ever that would ever convince me to subject myself, or my kids to that shot. Instead, I firmly believe in boosting their immune systems with healthy foods and vitamins and creating an environment (their bodies) inhospitable to the virus. Should we contract it, I know of herbs and remeadies to ease it's symptoms and above all things, relying on good nutrition to help the body fight.
Below are some links for your further reading, most of all, don't let fear be the reason your vaccinate. If you chose to vaccinate your self and your children, do it with the full knowledge of what your risks are and what exactly vaccines effects on your body will do. I only advocate the truth and I will tell you this, like a good sales pitch, companies will tell you what ever they need to so as to get your business, and Pharmaceuticals are NO different.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Failure
Whooping Cough-Under diagnosed
Whooping Cough Outbreaks
Proof that Vaccines Didn't Save us
(look at this one carefully, there are plently of charts that show, REPEATEDLY that illnesses from the viruses and bacteria were ALREADY on the decline and in most cases YEARS before the vaccines were even introduced. Not only that, there are charts that show how illnesses like Measles and Mumps occur even in HIGHLY vaccinated populations.)
I'll leave it at that for now, but please educate yourself on the truth before you vaccinate and fall into the slew of garbage spewed by fear mongoring mass media.
I also have other links located in my sidebar under *vax info*
Blessed be!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Whipping up good things....and HAPPY SPRING EQUINOX!!
My skin is so extremely sensitive, so I have been using a combination of coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil. It works pretty good, and is a good compliment to my coffee/sugar/sea salt body scrub I use three times a week. Then, I cam across this Whipped Coconut Oil WOWSA!
This has been awesome! I blended mine with some Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils and I love it.
My next batch I really want to add some Orange and Sandlewood essential oil for a fresh, summer scent.
Yesterday and today I was out in the garden checking on my soil and trimming up a few of the dead heads. Added a small amount of mulch and next up will be some fertilizer. I think I will go with my compost as well as a coffee ground and kelp mix again. It seemed to do really well in my soil.
I placed my first order for some seeds and plants earlier this week, so they should be arriving soon!!
Then I get those babies into the peat pots and get 'em growing! I am also trying to think ahead and see about having a late fall/early winter garden with some kale and brussles.
We are also going to be building another small raised bed for the fruit bushes (strawberries and raspberries) I simply cannot wait to get things going!!
Busy next few days around here, dentist appointments and family coming to visit this weekend! Yay!!
Happy Wednesday and Happy Spring Equinox
This has been awesome! I blended mine with some Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils and I love it.
My next batch I really want to add some Orange and Sandlewood essential oil for a fresh, summer scent.
Yesterday and today I was out in the garden checking on my soil and trimming up a few of the dead heads. Added a small amount of mulch and next up will be some fertilizer. I think I will go with my compost as well as a coffee ground and kelp mix again. It seemed to do really well in my soil.
I placed my first order for some seeds and plants earlier this week, so they should be arriving soon!!
Then I get those babies into the peat pots and get 'em growing! I am also trying to think ahead and see about having a late fall/early winter garden with some kale and brussles.
We are also going to be building another small raised bed for the fruit bushes (strawberries and raspberries) I simply cannot wait to get things going!!
Busy next few days around here, dentist appointments and family coming to visit this weekend! Yay!!
Happy Wednesday and Happy Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Want to KNow More About Herbcraft????
Herbs are a wonderful supplement to anyone's lifestyle. They can heal, inspire, rejuvenate, energize, stimulate, calm, and cure! Not too bad for just a plant!!
Herbs are a HUGE part of our daily lives here. I use them for almost everything from foods to teas to salves, tinctures, compresses, and vinegars. There are so many different uses, it's quite possibly endless to be honest. Different herbs have different uses and can help different ailments, yet knowing what to use for which ailment can be tricky when you are just starting out. Heck, I am still learning so much about their powers myself.
My kitchen cupboard is filled with mason jars and all kinds of dried herbs. I have things from Mugwort to Scullcap and of course the more familiar ones like chamomile and rosemary. I would be lost without my herbs, they play that big of a part in our lives.
So, you want to learn more? Well head on over to Herb Mother Herbcraft E-course and sign yourself up for her mini course to learn some valuable tips and tricks!
Better still, if you head over to Boho Girl's Giveaway for your chance to win a spot in the E-course! hurry though, contest ends tomorrow!!!
Blessings!!
Herbs are a HUGE part of our daily lives here. I use them for almost everything from foods to teas to salves, tinctures, compresses, and vinegars. There are so many different uses, it's quite possibly endless to be honest. Different herbs have different uses and can help different ailments, yet knowing what to use for which ailment can be tricky when you are just starting out. Heck, I am still learning so much about their powers myself.
My kitchen cupboard is filled with mason jars and all kinds of dried herbs. I have things from Mugwort to Scullcap and of course the more familiar ones like chamomile and rosemary. I would be lost without my herbs, they play that big of a part in our lives.
So, you want to learn more? Well head on over to Herb Mother Herbcraft E-course and sign yourself up for her mini course to learn some valuable tips and tricks!
Better still, if you head over to Boho Girl's Giveaway for your chance to win a spot in the E-course! hurry though, contest ends tomorrow!!!
Blessings!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Sh*t Crunchy Mama's say....
Okay, so there are a ton of these going on around you tube and I have to say that a lot of them are so darn funny. However, this one stood out.
And here's part deux!
Too funny, eh?!?!
And here's part deux!
Too funny, eh?!?!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Garden on the Brain....*sigh*
Oh this is so amazing: Alys Fowler
I love this woman immensely, seriously, I could watch her for hours in her garden. :)
I am in the process of planning my garden and containers, so many different ideas. I want to be sure I have lot's of veggies and lot's of herbs (for teas, food, tinctures, and other uses) and of course some edible flowers for salads. When I have some concrete ideas, I will share here.
We will be having our new freezer delivered tomorrow...YIPPEEE! I am so stoked about that. It's an upright and is going to be awesome, here, check it out: Our New Freezer. It will be so awesome to be organized and for when harvest time comes around again. We are still keeping our chest freezer, until it dies. It's over 15yrs old, but we decided we would store bread in it.
In other news...Alyssa got herself a part time job! She is working one day a week at a local daycare taking care of the cleaning duties. Next on the list is Alex!
Ummm, let's see, what else?!?!? No word yet on my test results for Celiac. I'm not sure if that means it's negative or my doctor just hasn't got around to notify me yet. (it took her almost 2 mos to get back to Bill about him being low on Vitamin D and phosphorus...grrrr) Yet, if I call, they refuse to give any results over the phone! Hmph!
Blessed be!!!
I love this woman immensely, seriously, I could watch her for hours in her garden. :)
I am in the process of planning my garden and containers, so many different ideas. I want to be sure I have lot's of veggies and lot's of herbs (for teas, food, tinctures, and other uses) and of course some edible flowers for salads. When I have some concrete ideas, I will share here.
We will be having our new freezer delivered tomorrow...YIPPEEE! I am so stoked about that. It's an upright and is going to be awesome, here, check it out: Our New Freezer. It will be so awesome to be organized and for when harvest time comes around again. We are still keeping our chest freezer, until it dies. It's over 15yrs old, but we decided we would store bread in it.
In other news...Alyssa got herself a part time job! She is working one day a week at a local daycare taking care of the cleaning duties. Next on the list is Alex!
Ummm, let's see, what else?!?!? No word yet on my test results for Celiac. I'm not sure if that means it's negative or my doctor just hasn't got around to notify me yet. (it took her almost 2 mos to get back to Bill about him being low on Vitamin D and phosphorus...grrrr) Yet, if I call, they refuse to give any results over the phone! Hmph!
Blessed be!!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Autumn Has Arrived!
Brrrrrr, today certainly has had a chill to it. No snow (it's definitely not uncommon for us to have a bit of snow this time year), but it sure is brisk out there. The perfect day to whip up a batch of Pumpkin Spice muffins for dessert tonight. Oh how I love Pumpkin, and it's so super good for you!
Pumpkin has loads of vitamin A and is a great source of your B vitamins. Pumpkin is low in fat and low in calories. It is super easy to throw a scoop of raw pumpkin into almost any kind of muffin mix. We toss scoops of raw pumpkin into our oatmeal and add clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger with some maple syrup, for a awesome tasting breakfast. Pumpkins are also an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory!! You can also toss a scoop into your smoothie! I would use 1 cup of almond/soy/rice/hemp milk, a scoop of raw pumpkin, a good sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and some crushed clove to make a warming Autumn evening snack
You can even use it in cookies! I have used it as a substitute for oil/butter in some recipes.
Hurray for the Pumpkin, a member of the Gourd family who's name means Large Melon in Greek.
Of course, let's not forget the pumpkin's other important job: serving as a Jack-o-Lantern at Halloween!!
That will be for a later post though.........
Onwards! I thought I would share the recipe I will be using for our DF/GF pumpkin pie. I just buy pre-made GF pie crusts from our local GF bakery. It is one time saver I don't hesitate to use, although I have successfully made GF pies from scratch.
Here ya go:
GF/DF/SF Pumpkin Pie
Speaking of GF, I learned the hard way that Kraft Marshmallows are NOT GF. I checked the ingredients and nothing looks Gluten so there must be cross contamination. However, Walmart (cough, choke) does in fact have GF marshmallows (which is why I wrongfully assumed that Kraft's would be fine too, even though nowhere on the package does it say that) which set me up for a week of agony. Ugh, I cannot believe I spent so much time like that and thought it was normal. YUCK! Thankfully, I am on the healing road now and I won't be making that mistake again! I also have every intention on mastering the art of marshmallow making, the bonfires just don't seem the same without!
Tonight for dinner is Cream of Tomato soup (thank goodness for my Vitamix!!) with grilled cheese sandwiches (we use raw, lactose free cheese, so far it has not negatively affected anyone) and fresh cut veggie sticks, the perfect meal for this cool Fall day! Yum!
I most likely won't be on until after the weekend since Bill has the next few days off, but I will be back mid-week next week and hopefully might even have some pics of our new dog!!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
Pumpkin has loads of vitamin A and is a great source of your B vitamins. Pumpkin is low in fat and low in calories. It is super easy to throw a scoop of raw pumpkin into almost any kind of muffin mix. We toss scoops of raw pumpkin into our oatmeal and add clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger with some maple syrup, for a awesome tasting breakfast. Pumpkins are also an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory!! You can also toss a scoop into your smoothie! I would use 1 cup of almond/soy/rice/hemp milk, a scoop of raw pumpkin, a good sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and some crushed clove to make a warming Autumn evening snack
You can even use it in cookies! I have used it as a substitute for oil/butter in some recipes.
Hurray for the Pumpkin, a member of the Gourd family who's name means Large Melon in Greek.
Of course, let's not forget the pumpkin's other important job: serving as a Jack-o-Lantern at Halloween!!
That will be for a later post though.........
Onwards! I thought I would share the recipe I will be using for our DF/GF pumpkin pie. I just buy pre-made GF pie crusts from our local GF bakery. It is one time saver I don't hesitate to use, although I have successfully made GF pies from scratch.
Here ya go:
GF/DF/SF Pumpkin Pie
Speaking of GF, I learned the hard way that Kraft Marshmallows are NOT GF. I checked the ingredients and nothing looks Gluten so there must be cross contamination. However, Walmart (cough, choke) does in fact have GF marshmallows (which is why I wrongfully assumed that Kraft's would be fine too, even though nowhere on the package does it say that) which set me up for a week of agony. Ugh, I cannot believe I spent so much time like that and thought it was normal. YUCK! Thankfully, I am on the healing road now and I won't be making that mistake again! I also have every intention on mastering the art of marshmallow making, the bonfires just don't seem the same without!
Tonight for dinner is Cream of Tomato soup (thank goodness for my Vitamix!!) with grilled cheese sandwiches (we use raw, lactose free cheese, so far it has not negatively affected anyone) and fresh cut veggie sticks, the perfect meal for this cool Fall day! Yum!
I most likely won't be on until after the weekend since Bill has the next few days off, but I will be back mid-week next week and hopefully might even have some pics of our new dog!!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
What does a 'real food' pantry look like?
Okay, so you hear all this good stuff about eating healthy, wholesome 'real food', but what does it look like?
Here is an awesome little video from Naturally Knocked Up. She takes us on a tour through her fridge/freezer and pantry. Her cupboards resemble pretty close to mine, lots of ingredients to make yummy things from scratch!
Did you notice what ISN'T in there? Did you see any frosted cereals? Or any boxed cereals for that matter! Did you see any processed boxed foods?
Making the switch is hard, I won't lie to you. We have done a complete full circle and it's been hard at times and other times it's been easy! Giving up the flavours that processed foods offer is hard, they taste sooo good. But, the truth is, it's not REAL flavour. It's sodium and artificial flavours, a chemical soup of preservatives and additives. Not to mention the sugar content. A good rule of thumb, if it's advertised on TV, STAY AWAY!!!
You can virtually make everything you can buy at the store, trust me! It does take some time for your body and taste buds to adjust to REAL FOOD flavour, but when it does, let me tell you, the processed stuff tastes AWFUL! I promise you.
We are just in the final stages of clearing out the last few things (ketchup, mayo and whole wheat crackers) we just limit the use, eventually we will either make our own or buy a different brand.......baby steps! We do on occasion buy organic mac n cheese(ANNIES) as a treat, but prefer the homemade version made with brown rice pasta.
We also use our pantry items in the bathroom too!!lol I use a coconut oil/arrowroot powder/baking soda/teatree oil deodorant. Baking soda/Apple cider vinegar, for shampoo/conditioner, EVOO/sea salt body scrub and olive oil soap for washing, olive oil and coconut oil mix for body lotion, and baking soda for toothpaste! For cleaning, baking soda/sea salt/vinegar is all we use (I did have some pink solution for awhile, which is awesome stuff, but we've run out now). Laundry, we use a seventh generation type soap and fabric softener. I was happily using my cloth diapers until I discovered that my much loved front loading washer/dryer does not clean my diapers properly no matter how many times I strip them...grrrrrr...I have tried a gazillion different things and combinations and nothing has worked to get them from stopping to smell like ammonia every time she pees, it was so bad it was burning her!* So, as much as it breaks my heart, I am using 'sposies. ICK! I hate them! Hate, hate, hate them!!lol I do however try to use the most earth friendly ones I can, but still. I'm looking into maybe trying G-Diapers as an alternative. But I can't help it, I miss my hemp/wool combos.
Also, the one other area that I am about to change is my make-up. Right now, I use mascara, eyeliner and some blush/bronzer. All of them are your basic run-of-the-mill stuff......loaded with all kinds of garbage.....I know!::groan:: I try to only wear when I am going out instead of a daily basis. I'm hoping to slowly replace my brands with a more natural/eco friendly product, I'm just in the process of researching the best brand to fit my budget. Obviously I can replace my $5 Maybelline with a $45 natural brand!!lol I'll keep you posted on my quest! :o) And although I have completely let my natural hair color grow out completely (oh yes, I did! first time since I was 12!!) I do plan on adding some highlights after my haircut in a few weeks.
Lastly, minimal sunscreen. This is a touchy subject with some I have learned (okay, maybe not as touchy as not vaccinating my kids...lol) we do not use sunscreen UNLESS we are going to be in direct sunlight for a really long time or if my kids or myself already has a bit of pink. We use coconut oil for regular use! I am in the process of making my own combo with some other oils that have known low SPF levels. For the most part though, we are relying on a healthy tan to provide our SPF! Next on the list is bug spray, no DEET here. Citronella oil is pretty good alternative. We use a product called All Terrain Herbal Armour with really good results. I have also noticed though, that with our diet change, the pesky mosquitoes don't seem to have much taste for us anymore. Increasing Bananas in your diet also works good!
Blessings!
Penny
Here is an awesome little video from Naturally Knocked Up. She takes us on a tour through her fridge/freezer and pantry. Her cupboards resemble pretty close to mine, lots of ingredients to make yummy things from scratch!
Did you notice what ISN'T in there? Did you see any frosted cereals? Or any boxed cereals for that matter! Did you see any processed boxed foods?
Making the switch is hard, I won't lie to you. We have done a complete full circle and it's been hard at times and other times it's been easy! Giving up the flavours that processed foods offer is hard, they taste sooo good. But, the truth is, it's not REAL flavour. It's sodium and artificial flavours, a chemical soup of preservatives and additives. Not to mention the sugar content. A good rule of thumb, if it's advertised on TV, STAY AWAY!!!
You can virtually make everything you can buy at the store, trust me! It does take some time for your body and taste buds to adjust to REAL FOOD flavour, but when it does, let me tell you, the processed stuff tastes AWFUL! I promise you.
We are just in the final stages of clearing out the last few things (ketchup, mayo and whole wheat crackers) we just limit the use, eventually we will either make our own or buy a different brand.......baby steps! We do on occasion buy organic mac n cheese(ANNIES) as a treat, but prefer the homemade version made with brown rice pasta.
We also use our pantry items in the bathroom too!!lol I use a coconut oil/arrowroot powder/baking soda/teatree oil deodorant. Baking soda/Apple cider vinegar, for shampoo/conditioner, EVOO/sea salt body scrub and olive oil soap for washing, olive oil and coconut oil mix for body lotion, and baking soda for toothpaste! For cleaning, baking soda/sea salt/vinegar is all we use (I did have some pink solution for awhile, which is awesome stuff, but we've run out now). Laundry, we use a seventh generation type soap and fabric softener. I was happily using my cloth diapers until I discovered that my much loved front loading washer/dryer does not clean my diapers properly no matter how many times I strip them...grrrrrr...I have tried a gazillion different things and combinations and nothing has worked to get them from stopping to smell like ammonia every time she pees, it was so bad it was burning her!* So, as much as it breaks my heart, I am using 'sposies. ICK! I hate them! Hate, hate, hate them!!lol I do however try to use the most earth friendly ones I can, but still. I'm looking into maybe trying G-Diapers as an alternative. But I can't help it, I miss my hemp/wool combos.
Also, the one other area that I am about to change is my make-up. Right now, I use mascara, eyeliner and some blush/bronzer. All of them are your basic run-of-the-mill stuff......loaded with all kinds of garbage.....I know!::groan:: I try to only wear when I am going out instead of a daily basis. I'm hoping to slowly replace my brands with a more natural/eco friendly product, I'm just in the process of researching the best brand to fit my budget. Obviously I can replace my $5 Maybelline with a $45 natural brand!!lol I'll keep you posted on my quest! :o) And although I have completely let my natural hair color grow out completely (oh yes, I did! first time since I was 12!!) I do plan on adding some highlights after my haircut in a few weeks.
Lastly, minimal sunscreen. This is a touchy subject with some I have learned (okay, maybe not as touchy as not vaccinating my kids...lol) we do not use sunscreen UNLESS we are going to be in direct sunlight for a really long time or if my kids or myself already has a bit of pink. We use coconut oil for regular use! I am in the process of making my own combo with some other oils that have known low SPF levels. For the most part though, we are relying on a healthy tan to provide our SPF! Next on the list is bug spray, no DEET here. Citronella oil is pretty good alternative. We use a product called All Terrain Herbal Armour with really good results. I have also noticed though, that with our diet change, the pesky mosquitoes don't seem to have much taste for us anymore. Increasing Bananas in your diet also works good!
Blessings!
Penny
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday Photo Flashback
Ok, so I am cheating a wee bit. I am going to post two pics, I could not decided which one was worthy of today's carnival, so I decided on both!!
This one is mainly just for a good laugh because any Mama who is around my age (30ish) will be able to relate. This pic was taken October 1991 and I was in grade 8 and had just turned 13. Laugh and remember away!!!
Yup, I was so totally wicked!!!lol and you can bet that my jeans were pinned at the ankle (the true 'skinny jean' ) and I was wearing an Esprit tee with rolled up sleeves. (and enough hairspray to cement a new sidewalk)and I am certain that either NKOTB or Debbie Gibson would have been playing on cassette in my bright yellow sony walkman!!(although there is a small chance that it may have been Poison...I did begin listening to them near that age....lol) Ah yes, the days of yester-year!!
Ok, now onto pic number two. One to which my family will remember oh-so-well!!!
Bwhahahaha!!
Haha...okay here's the story with this one. this was taken near the end of November 1997. It was Alex's first birthday. I was 19 and Bill was 24. I was VERY particular about what foods Alex could eat and always made sure they were nutritious and healthy and homemade.(although I did buy jarred food *shudder*)Anyways...I decided that I would bke and make Alex's cake from scratch using wholesome ingredients and I used the recipe found in the What to Expect the First year book (*shudders again at those books...The What to Expect series...ick!) for Carrot Cake. Except, I used pure apple juice instead of apple juice concentrate...uh-huh...AND I am fairly certain I messed up with the baking soda and powder ratio and quite possibly the flour...heck, I just MESSED IT UP!!!! It tasted awful!! In this picture i was looking at Bill thinking in my head "Gimme a break, it's NOT that bad stop being so dramatic!" and Bill is desperately trying to find something to safely dispose of his mouthful of cake and poor Alex...awww, just look at that poor babes face!! Sheer disgust and anguish over his cake. So, yeah, that was my first attempt. Cut me some slack, I was trying!!!!ROFL!!!
Have an awesomely blessed weekend!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Yet another challenge...
More on this tomorrow....since I'm already behind the eight ball in life...nothing new!!lol
Blessings!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
Thought it would be good if I got back inot the swing of things with MPM again, I can't make promises, but I'm sure gonna try!!
I was successful with my new grocery budget this go around, it took a lot of planning and work, but I made it happen!
So here's the line up this week:
~*DINNERS*~
MONDAY: french toast with homemade syrup and cut up cantaloupe
TUESDAY: homemade hamburgers and potato fries with salad
WEDNESDAY:Salmon, brown rice and dilled corn
THURSDAY:Grilled chicken breast and perogies with steamed broccoli
FRIDAY:Pizza Stromboli and carrot/celery sticks
SATURDAY:Sloppy Joes. baked potatoes and peas
SUNDAY: BBQ chicken, coconut rice and grilled veggies
~*BREAKFASTS*~
homemade waffles (apple and cinnamon, plain, banana etc)
homemade pancakes (same)
oatmeal
eggs and toast
bacon and eggs
fruit salad
smoothies
~*SNACKS*~
homemade WF/CF cookies and muffins
banana bread
homemade pudding
Frozen vanilla yoghurt
smoothcicles(smoothies frozen into popcicle molds)
So, there you have it!!
Blessings!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Challenge....of greenish proportions
so Amy over at ~MuddyBoots~ posted about a green smoothie challenge, which originated from Jennifer over at HappyFoody!
I am a few days behind the boat here, but in all honesty it's never to late for your health!!
I down anywhere between two to three smoothies a day as does Bill now. Who might I add, was a lot like Amy's hubby about the whole smoothie idea!! Anyone who knows MY hubby, knows what a challenge this would have been for him...if he can do it YOU can do it!
They are yummy, chock full of good healthy nutrition and completely eliminate the whole "I don't have time to eat healthy" excuse. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!!
You can read all the info about how to go about this at both Amy's and Jennifers blogs, since my cut&paste is not co-operating today! grrrrrr!!
I have a lot of it covered, my biggest challenge I think will be sugar. While we do not consume refined sugar, I still use some unrefined sugar in baking and making homemade teas and lemonade, so does that count?
So jump on the bandwagon!!! What are you waiting for??
Rev up your blenders and get on board with the smoothiEvolution!!
here's my three main ones:
AM:
1 handful spinach
1handful mixed berries
1 banana
1 spoonful of Greens extra energy
1 spoonful coconut oil
water or orange juice or carrot/celery juice I've made with my juicer (usually about 1-2 cups or so)
Blend until a smooth consistency and drink away!!
(I take my Omega oils with this)
Mid afternoon:
1 cup of goat yoghurt
1 handful strawberries
1 handful of yellow fruit (peach/mango etc)
splash of goat milk
raw egg
PM
1 handful mixed fruit (peaches mangoes honeydew)
1 handful berries
1-2 carrots
1 banana
1 handful spinach (or other greens like baby mixed salad greens)
2 tsp MacaSure powder and Greens powder
1 tsp coconut oil
juice or water
*If my muscles are sore or I have general aches from activity, I will juice about 2 cups worth of cherries twice per day to use as liquid in my smoothies. Cherries can and do help relieve pain and inflammation* I like to juice them so I don't have to deal with the pits. You can blend them as well, just take out the pits!!lol
These are just basic, they change with the seasons and what is available and what is cheapest. Bananas are one of the most versatile fruits for smoothies I have found.
Berries are in season right now, so we have been taking full advantage of that and all the fabulous antioxidants!! Bill's dad brought us a big box of peaches and cherries, so I will be freezing lot's of those!!
Get going!! Your body will thankyou!
Blessings!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
In other news.........
So yesterday was a long day. Mostly filled with a few grumpy children. Both Matthew and Kayla were having issues with their ears. Matthew has been having issues for quite some time, but it's hard to tell whether it's just a phase or if he was feeling yucky.
I decided that it was probably time to get them checked out. So we head over to one of the clinics around here (which we HATE). The waiting room SUCKS and the receptionist obviously has no clue how to judge time. I asked when we had signed in about how long she thought it might take before our turn (since I certainly didn't want to be waiting in there and I wanted to tell Bill since he was in the van with the others) she says about 1/2 an hour, it should be quick. I always add about 15mins to their time anyways, so that made it 45mins. One hour and a half later, we get called. No one knew was in there waiting and the receptionist had mysteriously vanished. Thankfully our doctor was pretty good and said that Kayla definitely has an ear infection, full blown. Antibiotics for her. Matthew on the other hand was just slightly pink and inflamed, so either it's clearing up or he's coming down with it. Thankfully, he didn't prescribe anything. So we will treat that with lot's of fluids (room temperature) and vitamins and silver. Warm compresses as well, if he can sit with it long enough!!lol Finally, 2 and half hours later we made it home.
WHEW!
I did however, find this awesome little store there that has all kinds of natural foods and supplements as well as accupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I spent a bit of time chatting with the lady (while Matthew re-arranged her Lara Bar display) it is always so refreshing to talk with someone who is in the same mind frame when it comes to health and wellness. She reminded me that should Kayla need antibiotics, that I need to make sure I replace her intestinal flora with prebiotics and probiotics. I knew that already, but it's so good to see it being reiterated since it is extremely important.
Grocery shopping tomorrow. No money saving coupons this week...bummer. Thankfully though, I have my two $25 gift cards to use.
There are some good ideas and info at Grocery Cart Challenge Blog she manages to feed a family of six with $60 per week! There is no way I could pull that off and still eat decent foods. I do not use coupons anymore (except some of the store coupons) because 95% of them are for processed foods or chemical stuff, which we avoid. Right now my budget feeds a family of 8 (we're a family of 9, but I didn't calculate Breanna since she doesn't actually consume foods yet) at around $8.00 per day, per person. Three of my kids eat adult sized meals and I also feed two extra kids 5 days a week since I still look after my friends two little girls (which I didn't calculate in (my brain is not in a mathematical mood this morning) so it's a bit smaller than that amount. Unless we were to experience financial hardship again, I will never go back to el cheapo foods just to save money. I am so grateful to the Lord that I am able to put healthy, nutritious foods on my table. So very grateful!
I will be much happier when I can eliminate some other foods from our budget, but for now it's baby steps! So far having eliminated cereal and swapped it for more eggs and flour to make good wholesome breakfasts, has been wonderful and has everyone very happy. They did have a bowl cereal for a snack earlier this week and I don't mind if they do that, since moderation is the key and I believe that their palates and stomachs will ultimately guide them in the long run. I have found (and have heard many others say the same) that I actually crave healthier food choices now and the thought of something laced with junk actually makes me a bit nauseous.
I hope the same for them!!!
Here's to health and nourishing foods!!!
Blessings!!
I decided that it was probably time to get them checked out. So we head over to one of the clinics around here (which we HATE). The waiting room SUCKS and the receptionist obviously has no clue how to judge time. I asked when we had signed in about how long she thought it might take before our turn (since I certainly didn't want to be waiting in there and I wanted to tell Bill since he was in the van with the others) she says about 1/2 an hour, it should be quick. I always add about 15mins to their time anyways, so that made it 45mins. One hour and a half later, we get called. No one knew was in there waiting and the receptionist had mysteriously vanished. Thankfully our doctor was pretty good and said that Kayla definitely has an ear infection, full blown. Antibiotics for her. Matthew on the other hand was just slightly pink and inflamed, so either it's clearing up or he's coming down with it. Thankfully, he didn't prescribe anything. So we will treat that with lot's of fluids (room temperature) and vitamins and silver. Warm compresses as well, if he can sit with it long enough!!lol Finally, 2 and half hours later we made it home.
WHEW!
I did however, find this awesome little store there that has all kinds of natural foods and supplements as well as accupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I spent a bit of time chatting with the lady (while Matthew re-arranged her Lara Bar display) it is always so refreshing to talk with someone who is in the same mind frame when it comes to health and wellness. She reminded me that should Kayla need antibiotics, that I need to make sure I replace her intestinal flora with prebiotics and probiotics. I knew that already, but it's so good to see it being reiterated since it is extremely important.
Grocery shopping tomorrow. No money saving coupons this week...bummer. Thankfully though, I have my two $25 gift cards to use.
There are some good ideas and info at Grocery Cart Challenge Blog she manages to feed a family of six with $60 per week! There is no way I could pull that off and still eat decent foods. I do not use coupons anymore (except some of the store coupons) because 95% of them are for processed foods or chemical stuff, which we avoid. Right now my budget feeds a family of 8 (we're a family of 9, but I didn't calculate Breanna since she doesn't actually consume foods yet) at around $8.00 per day, per person. Three of my kids eat adult sized meals and I also feed two extra kids 5 days a week since I still look after my friends two little girls (which I didn't calculate in (my brain is not in a mathematical mood this morning) so it's a bit smaller than that amount. Unless we were to experience financial hardship again, I will never go back to el cheapo foods just to save money. I am so grateful to the Lord that I am able to put healthy, nutritious foods on my table. So very grateful!
I will be much happier when I can eliminate some other foods from our budget, but for now it's baby steps! So far having eliminated cereal and swapped it for more eggs and flour to make good wholesome breakfasts, has been wonderful and has everyone very happy. They did have a bowl cereal for a snack earlier this week and I don't mind if they do that, since moderation is the key and I believe that their palates and stomachs will ultimately guide them in the long run. I have found (and have heard many others say the same) that I actually crave healthier food choices now and the thought of something laced with junk actually makes me a bit nauseous.
I hope the same for them!!!
Here's to health and nourishing foods!!!
Blessings!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Spring Fresh!
Even though we are well into Spring, it's finally feeling like it here!
It's about time too!
We have bobcats in our yard, getting things ready for fencing and sodding!!WHOOHOO!!! You have no idea how nice it will be to have those!Then I'll be able to get my gardening all planned out and hopefully be able to make room for a composter and rain barrel.
We had a good weekend. Saturday I went to a new health food store, oh-my-stars, it's even better than the one I went to the other week!!lol I love...LOVE....LOVE that store! I have to figure out a way to get there at least a couple of times a month since it's quite a drive from here.
I totally wish I could do all of my shopping there, if only they had larger sizes of things. This is week two of no cereal for breakfast and I can't tell you how awesome it has been! I used the money I would normally spend on cereal and instant oatmeal and put that towards baking needs for muffins and breads as well as bacon and extra eggs.YUMMO!!!
I've also discovered that my kids LOVE Wheat Grass!!!lol I have just thrown some in with their smoothies, but I wonder if it's better to actually juice it and then use the juice?!?! Anyone know? they also just grab handfuls of it and eat it like that!!lol
I was able to get Goat's Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and unfortunately not raw or unpasteurized milk. but at least it's not homogenized! It's taking some getting used to, since Goat's milk has a different taste to it. However, I'm getting used to it. Matthew LOVES the milk!! The butter really has no flavour, and the yogurt is so yummy. The cheese has the strongest flavour I find, but at least it melts!!lol
Hmmm, I've been interrupted so many times since attempting this, I have no idea where my thought process was going!!lol So, I'll sign off and go do my menu plan monday on the
Foodblog.
Blessings!!
It's about time too!
We have bobcats in our yard, getting things ready for fencing and sodding!!WHOOHOO!!! You have no idea how nice it will be to have those!Then I'll be able to get my gardening all planned out and hopefully be able to make room for a composter and rain barrel.
We had a good weekend. Saturday I went to a new health food store, oh-my-stars, it's even better than the one I went to the other week!!lol I love...LOVE....LOVE that store! I have to figure out a way to get there at least a couple of times a month since it's quite a drive from here.
I totally wish I could do all of my shopping there, if only they had larger sizes of things. This is week two of no cereal for breakfast and I can't tell you how awesome it has been! I used the money I would normally spend on cereal and instant oatmeal and put that towards baking needs for muffins and breads as well as bacon and extra eggs.YUMMO!!!
I've also discovered that my kids LOVE Wheat Grass!!!lol I have just thrown some in with their smoothies, but I wonder if it's better to actually juice it and then use the juice?!?! Anyone know? they also just grab handfuls of it and eat it like that!!lol
I was able to get Goat's Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and unfortunately not raw or unpasteurized milk. but at least it's not homogenized! It's taking some getting used to, since Goat's milk has a different taste to it. However, I'm getting used to it. Matthew LOVES the milk!! The butter really has no flavour, and the yogurt is so yummy. The cheese has the strongest flavour I find, but at least it melts!!lol
Hmmm, I've been interrupted so many times since attempting this, I have no idea where my thought process was going!!lol So, I'll sign off and go do my menu plan monday on the
Foodblog.
Blessings!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
It's Friday!! The sun is shining!! It's Friday!!!
Whooohooo!!!!
I have all my windows open, the kids are outside...FINALLY!!!! No birds though. Bummer.
I have spent the day thus far in my kitchen! I have my Amy's Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Soup simmering away. I have two loaves of bread rising and pizza dough doing the same! I am going to attempt to make a loaf of WF/CF for myself, yet again. If not, I am going to the health food store this weekend!!lol
I need to get some Coconut water and some rice and pasta for me as well as some wheat grass and some stone ground flour. Last night's grocery trip went fairly well. Oddly enough I wasn't any quicker!!lol I am soooooo excited that my grocery store carries antibiotic free and hormone free chicken and beef!! It's about time! So I bought a chicken and some steaks to make into dinners this upcoming week!
Not much on the go this weekend, laundry and maybe some spring cleaning...maybe.lol!!
Have an awesome weekend!!
Blessings!!
I have all my windows open, the kids are outside...FINALLY!!!! No birds though. Bummer.
I have spent the day thus far in my kitchen! I have my Amy's Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Soup simmering away. I have two loaves of bread rising and pizza dough doing the same! I am going to attempt to make a loaf of WF/CF for myself, yet again. If not, I am going to the health food store this weekend!!lol
I need to get some Coconut water and some rice and pasta for me as well as some wheat grass and some stone ground flour. Last night's grocery trip went fairly well. Oddly enough I wasn't any quicker!!lol I am soooooo excited that my grocery store carries antibiotic free and hormone free chicken and beef!! It's about time! So I bought a chicken and some steaks to make into dinners this upcoming week!
Not much on the go this weekend, laundry and maybe some spring cleaning...maybe.lol!!
Have an awesome weekend!!
Blessings!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Noteworthy
As I've said a million times before, we are trying desperately to change our ways, including our diets. I've decided that rather than pulling a *cold turkey* approach, we would gradually eliminate things. (well, for me it was cold turkey!!lol)
This hasn't been too bad so far, it kind of weird because your body almost goes through a withdrawal period....that can't be a good thing.
It angers me to the core that advertisements tell us that cereal is a part of a complete breakfast. Complete of what? Fortified with vitamins that your body cannot digest and utilize properly or other chemicals to make it palatable and desired for human consumption. Or how about yogurt commercials loaded with all this prebiotic and probiotic chatter....uh, hello!! Yogurt has ALWAYS been made with the *good* bacteria to help sustain a healthy digestive tract. There is nothing new about that nugget of info, yet companies are capitalizing on it. Cereal has to a big one that drives me crazy though, probably because marketing is typically aimed at children. Disgusting. My good friend Amy over at ~Muddy Boots~ wrote an excellent post all about cereal. Go and check it out HERE, I'll wait.
So, what did you think? Are you a little disgusted? In all honesty it makes me want to go an a rampage and toss EVERY.SINGLE.ITEM in my pantry that is processed. I am so fed up with that junk being available. (and at myself for buying it!)
An excellent book, and I mean EXCELLENT book is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. It challenges our current "Diet Dictocrates" recommendations and explains why they are false. It takes us back to our roots and to a previous generation of eating...a generation that despite lack of sanitation and immunizations(now that we have gone overboard with those) were healthier and wise beyond their years. Sally is thorough in how she presents this knowledge and even supplies us with recipes. This book has been in valuable since I purchased it last year and I read it almost daily.
Even Vegans and Raw Foodists can take some info from here, there is something for everyone.
I also STRONGLY encourage you to read what is HERE
Ewwww! How many commercials have you seen that actually PROMOTE these foods?!?!? Do you see how twisted the *experts* are?!?!?
So, honey...if you happen to be reading this, don't be mad at me if there is no longer cereal in the cupboards...it's for everyone's well being!!
Next on my list to purchase is Kombucha....that ought to be quite the conversational piece sitting in the fridge!!lol Batter soaking on the counter for bread and muffins, seeds sprouting beside, grains and beans soaking, teas steeping and now this in the fridge!!lol
This weekend we are planning on heading out to a massive hunting store!!!!WHOOHOO!!! Bill is going to get back into it, I'm soooooo excited!! Of course we will have to budget and save up for his equipment again, but it is so worth it. I'm also hoping he'll do some fishing this year too. Yummy!!
Also on the agenda is haircuts tomorrow for Alyssa and I! I still don't know exactly what I am going to do...I just know I am fed up with it in it's current state!
Have a wonderful weekend and do me a favor: make one or two meals this weekend, from scratch, using wholesome ingredients. Your family or friends will thankyou for it!
God bless!
This hasn't been too bad so far, it kind of weird because your body almost goes through a withdrawal period....that can't be a good thing.
It angers me to the core that advertisements tell us that cereal is a part of a complete breakfast. Complete of what? Fortified with vitamins that your body cannot digest and utilize properly or other chemicals to make it palatable and desired for human consumption. Or how about yogurt commercials loaded with all this prebiotic and probiotic chatter....uh, hello!! Yogurt has ALWAYS been made with the *good* bacteria to help sustain a healthy digestive tract. There is nothing new about that nugget of info, yet companies are capitalizing on it. Cereal has to a big one that drives me crazy though, probably because marketing is typically aimed at children. Disgusting. My good friend Amy over at ~Muddy Boots~ wrote an excellent post all about cereal. Go and check it out HERE, I'll wait.
So, what did you think? Are you a little disgusted? In all honesty it makes me want to go an a rampage and toss EVERY.SINGLE.ITEM in my pantry that is processed. I am so fed up with that junk being available. (and at myself for buying it!)
An excellent book, and I mean EXCELLENT book is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. It challenges our current "Diet Dictocrates" recommendations and explains why they are false. It takes us back to our roots and to a previous generation of eating...a generation that despite lack of sanitation and immunizations(now that we have gone overboard with those) were healthier and wise beyond their years. Sally is thorough in how she presents this knowledge and even supplies us with recipes. This book has been in valuable since I purchased it last year and I read it almost daily.
Even Vegans and Raw Foodists can take some info from here, there is something for everyone.
I also STRONGLY encourage you to read what is HERE
Ewwww! How many commercials have you seen that actually PROMOTE these foods?!?!? Do you see how twisted the *experts* are?!?!?
So, honey...if you happen to be reading this, don't be mad at me if there is no longer cereal in the cupboards...it's for everyone's well being!!
Next on my list to purchase is Kombucha....that ought to be quite the conversational piece sitting in the fridge!!lol Batter soaking on the counter for bread and muffins, seeds sprouting beside, grains and beans soaking, teas steeping and now this in the fridge!!lol
This weekend we are planning on heading out to a massive hunting store!!!!WHOOHOO!!! Bill is going to get back into it, I'm soooooo excited!! Of course we will have to budget and save up for his equipment again, but it is so worth it. I'm also hoping he'll do some fishing this year too. Yummy!!
Also on the agenda is haircuts tomorrow for Alyssa and I! I still don't know exactly what I am going to do...I just know I am fed up with it in it's current state!
Have a wonderful weekend and do me a favor: make one or two meals this weekend, from scratch, using wholesome ingredients. Your family or friends will thankyou for it!
God bless!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Grocery Shopping Results
Shopping for 9 on a tight budget AND buying as much as I can sustainable and/or organic is very difficult. I already knew that though. Since I don't drive, I'm really limited to where I can go and basically need to do all my shopping at one place. At least they have quite a few options and are easy on the budget...for the most part. Of course there are quite a few things that I REALLY hope to eliminate from the grocery budget in exchange for a much healthier option (see the post above)
Until then, it is what is and I am super happy that we have at least come a long way!
I think it will make a huge difference over the next year when I can get a good garden going.
Here's the fridge:
So here's what I want to completely eliminate from the lineup:
-granola bars
-cereal
-fluorescent foods
-store bought bread
-foods with artificial flavourings/colors
and anything else that I may have missed that has been processed and is so far off from it's natural state!lol
A few of these will require some convincing on Bill's part and the kids. Mac 'n' Cheese is probably the easiest right now and next would be the granola bars. The hardest ones will be the bread and the cereal.
I have most likely failed the challenge since I'm certain I went over my *budget*, however it did succeed in really making me concentrate on where the stuff I buy comes from even more so than before.
So, I will keep trying and keep working at it. We have come a long way and to see just how far we've come makes me keep at it!!(and the positive health benefits that have followed is convincing too!!)
Here's a breakdown of choices I made and/or regularly make:
-fair trade tea
-organic sugar
-organic produce (except for some pre-packaged salad and broccoli)
-eggs are free range and organic (I budget $30 every two weeks for that...yup, I wish raising chickens was legal here too!)
-99% percent of my stuff is organic or local
probably more, but I can't think of it right off the top of my head since I have had to come back to this post 989 356 times!lol
I will update this whole challenge near the end of the month with totals spent.
Be blessed!
Until then, it is what is and I am super happy that we have at least come a long way!
I think it will make a huge difference over the next year when I can get a good garden going.
Here's the fridge:
So here's what I want to completely eliminate from the lineup:
-granola bars
-cereal
-fluorescent foods
-store bought bread
-foods with artificial flavourings/colors
and anything else that I may have missed that has been processed and is so far off from it's natural state!lol
A few of these will require some convincing on Bill's part and the kids. Mac 'n' Cheese is probably the easiest right now and next would be the granola bars. The hardest ones will be the bread and the cereal.
I have most likely failed the challenge since I'm certain I went over my *budget*, however it did succeed in really making me concentrate on where the stuff I buy comes from even more so than before.
So, I will keep trying and keep working at it. We have come a long way and to see just how far we've come makes me keep at it!!(and the positive health benefits that have followed is convincing too!!)
Here's a breakdown of choices I made and/or regularly make:
-fair trade tea
-organic sugar
-organic produce (except for some pre-packaged salad and broccoli)
-eggs are free range and organic (I budget $30 every two weeks for that...yup, I wish raising chickens was legal here too!)
-99% percent of my stuff is organic or local
probably more, but I can't think of it right off the top of my head since I have had to come back to this post 989 356 times!lol
I will update this whole challenge near the end of the month with totals spent.
Be blessed!
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